Ablation plus Transarterial Embolic Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Larger than 3 cm: Science, Evidence, and Future Directions

Abstract

Thermal ablation is widely regarded as definitive therapy for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma, but its efficacy decreases in tumors greater than 3 cm. Extensive clinical studies have supported improved outcomes provided through combining transarterial embolic therapy with ablation in the treatment of larger tumors. This article will provide a survey of the science and data for combination therapy in both thermal and nonthermal ablation modalities, as well as describe emerging applications.

Keywords

hepatocellular carcinoma - radiofrequency ablation - microwave ablation - transarterial chemoembolization - transarterial embolization - cryoablation - thermal ablation - combination therapy - ablation - embolization

• References

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